Interview | Questions & Answers With Drunken Kong

Directly from Japan, Drunken Kong are breaking paradigms as a male-female duo. The global Techno scene now graces with the talents of D. Singh and DJ Kyoko. Initially, these guys rapidly made a name for themselves while playing at the best clubs in Tokyo. Today, they are taking their music careers as something serious and in this exclusive interview they reveal all about this project!

1 – When exactly did you decide to work together as a duo? Do you have separate roles?

We started working together back in 2011, and at first, we just started to make music for fun, as we enjoy spending time in the studio and being creative. We actually don’t have separate roles, whether producing or playing at gigs – we just work together on everything, as we feel it flows better.

2 – How did you choose the name Drunken Kong for this project?

Drunken Kong came from combining our initials D and K. At the time, we never imagined releasing music or playing together at gigs under the name, we were just having fun in the studio. When we completed the first track we had to name it, and who we were going to be known as. We asked ourselves if “D&K” was a good name? It wasn’t that memorable, so we came up with Drunken Kong and it stuck.

3 – What music style or genre do you want to focus? Why?

We don’t have a specific focus on genre or style. Whatever sounds good – is good! Whatever we produce, the main focus we have is to keep a groove to all the tracks. Energy and groove are very important to us.

4 – How big is the Techno scene in Tokyo? Is there any good club we can visit?

Tokyo has such a great club scene. Many parties happen all over the city, sometimes on weekdays and also the weekends. Clubs in Tokyo which are really doing well at the moment and have some international recognition are Womb, Vent, Sankeys and Ageha. There is also another really good spot called Oath, it’s like a bar but it has a great sound system and the vibe is so cool.

5 – So, what’s the name of your debut album? When is the release date? How many tracks does it contain?

The album is called ‘The Signs Within’. The release date is set for the 19th June and we are really excited about it. The album has 12 tracks in total, which are all original mixes, with a couple of collaborations in the mix with Christian Smith and Victor Ruiz.

6 – What was the inspiration behind this album? Is it intended only for clubs?

Well, since this is our first album, we wanted to focus more on dance floor material. We wanted the album to have different elements for each of the dance tracks, so they can work at different venues, and also at certain times of the night. So, some are groovier, and others are more peak time. It’s really important for us to have a selection of tracks which suit a number of scenarios, so we can play at any time slot during a show, whether it’s daytime, at night, in a club or at a festival.

7 – Is the first single coming soon? Have you collaborated with other producers for some remixes?

Yes, we are launching an EP on the 29th May which is acting as a teaser release for the album. It has 3 tracks on it, which all feature on the album too, so you can get a taste of what’s to come in June. These are 3 original tracks, and no remixes on this one, but hopefully we have some of those in the near future, which we are working on now.

8 – We know you have toured outside Japan. What has been your favorite international venue? Why?

Honestly, we enjoy every gig we have. But if we have to give a mention about one in particular, then our favorite and most memorable venue was Barraca in Valencia, Spain. The DJ booth is really cool, a great sound system and the crowd was just amazing. The energy on the dancefloor was just electric, everyone had their hands in the air from start to finish. We cannot wait to play there again!

9 – Which one of you prefer, DJ’ing than producing new stuff?

We actually like the combination of both. Producing new stuff is, of course, exciting and you can really get creative and experimental in the studio. But when you have worked on a project for such a long time, and you take it to the club to test it out – the reaction from the crowd is everything. It’s amazing when you can see everyone in the club dancing along, and enjoying something you have produced – it’s a very special feeling.

10 – What plans do you have for the rest of 2017?

We have a tour in Europe to start with this summer, which we are really looking forward to, and we are working on some other regions around the world for later this year. We can’t wait to experience some new cities and venues along the way.

A Daydream Person Talks New Single “Down In Flames” — Interview

A Daydream Person is probably our favorite emerging producer from South Korea. Discover his catchy Nu-Disco single, “Down In Flames” and the meaning behind it. Without a doubt, his creative energy reflects personal and intimate emotions. Scroll down to read this interesting interview!

1 – I really enjoyed your new single “Down In Flames”. What was the inspiration behind it?

After experiencing countless disappointing relationships, I realized people used me and pretended that they’re nice. I tried my best to make the relationship get better, but didn’t get anything back. Sometimes I punished myself and told myself that it wouldn’t have happened if I was a more attractive person. All these are about my collapsed self-esteem.

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2 – Musically speaking, what sets you apart from other artists?

I like to talk about my own self-esteem. When I talk about my self-esteem in my music, which is not too good, not too bad, a lot of people feel it and relate to it. I just realize that there are lots of people that feel the same as me. These days are such a hard time for everyone. People always have to struggle with failures and obstacles. I want to share some feelings with them through my genuine honest vibe. So I think what makes me so special compare to other artists is ‘being honest, real and not pretending’. However, I still root for all artists living around in this desolate world.

3 – What’s the music scene like in Seoul? Is Nu-Disco popular?

Originally in Korea, I think because of ‘Han(한)’, which is kind of feeling refers to deep sadness that can’t be expressed easily if at all, gentle soft music like ballad was so popular. But as K-pop just appeared in the world and developed so fast, we started to get used to electronic music. And after UMF settled down in Korea, music like Big Room and EDM got so popular.

Some people switched their taste into Hip-Hop. I heard there is a growing number of people that actually enjoy the ‘Nu-Disco’ genre, but I guess when I introduce myself as a Nu-Disco artist people wouldn’t know what that is. A genre of music? or cookie brand? They just consider it music that’s usually played by street shops or some cool restaurant.

4 – Do you see the K-Pop industry as an obstacle to other local artists that play different styles of music?

No, I don’t think so. K-pop is just only a kind of music, but a huge system or culture. So it seems like many artists that don’t play K-pop think it’s not just their barrier anymore, they just try to cooperate with it. But you know, the position of K-pop is so huge that many musicians are reluctant to try different genres of music and some even just give up.

5 – Whose idea was the use of falsettos on this track?

Basically it’s Marcus’ idea. Actually, I didn’t know he was such an amazing vocalist until I first heard his track on SoundCloud and suggested to work together. Later, I listened to another track of him, and wow this guy is talented and his falsetto was amazing, so I started mastering right away. I highly recommend you listen to this music. It SLAPS.

6 – How much participation MxRCUS ALEXIS had in the creative process of this song?

Marcus made lyrics and melodies for the music. Originally, I was going to write the lyrics, but when I received the guide melody before the lyrics were completed, I thought it would be better if he writes the lyrics, not me. So I suggested only the overall direction and he worked on the specific part.

7 – Who is “Down In Flames” dedicated to?

I’d like to dedicate this song to the girl who pretended to be a nice and kind girl on the outside, who was in fact quite the opposite, who lives in Gangnam and likes working out. (She even stole my clothes.)

8 – What’s the message you want to get out with it?

Rather than trying to convey a message to those who live their life pretending to be nice people, which is not true, I just wanted to reveal my
thoughts in the most confident and legal way I could. Actually there’s no place in the world to talk about my innermost thoughts as we think it would be.

9 – Do you have plans of releasing a music video or an album this year?

Actually, I want to make a music video, too. However, I am worried that the quality won’t be as high as I expected, and it is not easy in reality because of the epidemic situations. I’m going to try it when it gets better. Also I aim to release the EP/album within the next year. Hopefully, I don’t get lazy.

10 – Besides music, what else makes you feel happy?

I’m a foodie. I love going out to grab something so yummy. But these days, as you know, I can’t really go out so I just need to settle for delivering food. I guess you guys would think pizza or chicken, but in Korea you can deliver all the food you can think of. Even ice cream and steak.

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Interview With Legacy: Rap, Poetry, New Music & More

Get to know Legacy, a skillful rapper who dominates the art of poetry like none other. Hailing from Arizona, his songs are gaining a lot of traction with almost 15K streams on SoundCloud. If you are looking for fresh Hip-Hop talents, then scroll down to read this interesting interview.

1 — Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be a rapper?

Honestly, I don’t think I really decided lol. I was writing some poems one day and started learning how to time the syllables to the instrumentals I would find on YouTube and it became something I couldn’t stop doing.

2 — How do you think your hometown has influenced the kind of music that you make?

My hometown influences everything I do, it’s why I’m anxious, depressed, and happy all at the same time. Every day can be good or bad, someone can give me a dirty look one day or trash talk me and I remember the instance and add it to the stories.

3 — What’s so special to you about poetry that you seem to love so genuinely?

Poetry requires you to face the darkest emotions. It makes you think about and actively reflect on everything you do and say. So when I’ve had a bad day, instead of bottling it entirely, I can vent through a verse – which in turn people hear and support my efforts to make it through my everyday life.

4 — Where did you take the inspiration to write most of your lyrics?

The inspiration lives in the lifestyle, the good experiences, and the bad.

5 — Do you think a good rapping performance comes from a good rapping technique? If so, what’s yours?

In my opinion, if the fans/listeners are connected to what you’re saying emotionally, and mentally, your performance has achieved its goal. People like having people they can relate to, all I’m doing is bringing those emotions into a poem and instrumental.

6 — Please tell us more about your song “Bad Feelings”. What’s the message behind it?

“Bad Feelings” is actually quite old and I’m just now really pushing for the exposure while my page is still young. However, the message never dies. What I really want people to take away from this song is that no matter what happens, no matter how hard it gets, just keep doing your thing. Time will make it better. Set goals. Keep dreaming. The longer you wait the harder it gets.

7 — As an artist, how do you deal with criticism?

Criticism is everywhere. You can walk a certain way and be judged for it. Listen to the bad things, only sometimes, when they help you improve. And hold the good things close and carry them with you. The good comments and feedback are almost a shield to the bad. They help you realize that one bad comment is one of many other really good ones. So all you can do is keep moving.

8 — Are you afraid to experiment with different music styles?

Yes, and no. It depends on the meaning of “style.” Like, I hate my singing voice but I’m not afraid to try out other flows and techniques.

9 — What are your current projects?

The “Mindset EP.” I’m dropping two more tracks as of right now to finalize the project. “Motion” and another untitled track that I’m working on in collaboration with my newest partner “Yung Cubb”.

10 — Finally, if you weren’t an artist today, what else could you see yourself doing?

1 — What is your personal philosophy towards working with soundtracks?

My favorite approach depends a lot on who I’m going to work with and the work itself. The most usual, and perhaps what I like the most is to enter a phase in which the film already has a structure and even some shootings. Then, with the director, I can analyze and propose the places where I think music can enter and how music should be. In these cases there is a great interaction with the director and his ideas and expectations. Sometimes it is more complicated, more hard work, but often the work is enriched and enhanced by the team’s ideas. The other way, which was how it happened with Money Honey, I compose the musical theme for the idea of the film and themes for characters and then where and how it enters is done by the editing team with the director. In this case it is a much free approach and more about creating music for ideas and sensations and less about creating to the image and movement. I like both very much. They are different challenges.

2 — Is this the first time you compose music for a film?

No. I have been making music regularly for video and film for many years. No as BLACKOYOTE alter-ego but with my real name. My first soundtrack was in 2011 for the short film Ínsua (http://www.jasg.net/Insua.html).

3 — How did your collaboration begin with the Director and Producers of the short film, “M0ney Honey”?

This was one of the atypical cases. My meeting with Isaac Knights-Washbourn was completely by chance. After a long day of work, I went to have a drink with some friends and I sat next to a friend of a friend from New Zealand. The conversation was flowing, he was in Portugal filming a documentary, and we had many common interests, especially in electronic music. He asked if there was a way to hear my work and said that one day he would contact me. I thought it would be the same as a lot of cases where people talk and to nothing happens. After a few months he sends me an email with the proposal. It was as random as this.

4 — Can you tell us more about the sonic elements that were involved in this soundtrack?

Isaac sends me references about the film’s environment and one of the things that caught my attention was that the film was going to be shot entirely on film, which would give it a natural texture from the analog that reports naturally for a sense of old. So sonically I tried to recreate that texture using analog synthesizers and arpeggiators, a well-textured reverb, and then that altered piano that always reports to the past. I tried to build a balance between old contemporary.

5 — What was the main source of inspiration for this project?

Usually what I do is listen to a lot of music and watch a lot of films that have this style that I want without much concern. It stays in the back of my head, growing. That way ideas come out more easily but without being too glued to the references. In this case I have an idea that I heard a lot of Aphex Twin’s Ambient Works Vol II and Dreu’s 1979 for example.

6 — Would you say this has been your biggest challenge so far?

Not even close. In a good way. Just because everything was very fluid and always fit naturally. My ideas effortlessly stuck to Isaac’s ideas. There is no merit in this. Just a great connection. So there was no special challenge.

7 — How long did the writing and preparation take?

Between the first drafts and the final versions it was about a month. It was a quick process.

8 — Why is this soundtrack relevant to the film?

I think that question would be better answered by Isaac but I think that music helps to put the viewer in the same spirit as the characters. More than a description, it helps to get the sensations. It helps to understand the anguish and the worrying spirit of the precarious situation that suddenly some families are in New Zealand because of the real estate pressure but through a teen skater’s survival instinct.

9 — Was there a brief for this project or they gave you full creative control?

Issac gave me complete freedom. He gave me directions of the aesthetic environment and things he liked but without imposed them. It was only agreed that it would be a theme for the film and variations for the characters. But it was all very fluid.

10 — Lastly, what new projects you got on the horizon?

The pandemic has spoiled a few plans. In the meantime, I finished the soundtrack for a feature film The Last Bath by David Bonneville, which has no release date yet. I would still go with some concerts from the previous album IO and start with a small tour of the presentation of the film-concert East Atlantic that I did in collaboration with the video maker Miguel C. Tavares. I hope that everything resumes with the coming of 2021.

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RIZ Opens Up About New Single “Tribe” & More In Recent Interview

RIZ has always had a passion for music. His latest single, “Tribe” is a Rock/Heavy Metal masterpiece accompanied by powerful vocals. I got a chance to interview him about this song and his upcoming album, plus, some additional details related to his career. Make sure to keep up with RIZ on socials below.

1 – Was there a lot of Rock music in your house growing up?

My big brother turned me on to great bands like KISS, Black Sabbath, and Styx. But being raised in The Bronx right when and where Hip-Hop was born a lot of that influenced my music. My parents being Indian had a lot of Indian music playing and I think that influenced my sense of melody.

2 – What made you go from a psychic to an independent rock artist?

My life is a crazy story but it’s all true. I started off as a musician when I was a teenager but I was also very psychic, my senses eventually became so sharp that it became my life and I moved to LA and have been teaching meditation, workshops, and doing group psychic readings non stop for a decade: but something was always burning inside of me – my love of music especially hard rock and metal. Can’t take that out of me ever!

3 – How did your new song “Tribe” come about?

I wrote this song while in the quarantine lockdown here in LA. We couldn’t really get together to rehearse in person so we did it on Zoom and recorded all our parts in a secret studio location! I have a big tribe of friends online and wanted to write a song that represented the strong spirit of the people uniting.

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4 – Do you think “Tribe” has a good message behind its lyrics?

“Tribes” lyrics are about what I believe in and what I have taught as a shaman for over a decade, that your freedom starts with your mind and your passion.

5 – Was it difficult to shot the music video?

We did this video on Zoom and then had a friend add some special fx to have fun with it. The shoot was easy, our crowd was everyone in their houses just rockin’ out to the band! Getting them all together was really my wife Oriah’s magic, she’s the director of most of my videos!

7 – Can you reveal to us some interesting details about your upcoming album, ‘The Bronx Bomber’?

This whole album was recorded during the lockdown here in LA! The good part of the lockdown was none of us could go to work so we really got to focus on our music like never before! The musicians who play with me are killers! The album drops 8/20!

8 – When is the release date of this album?

‘The Bronx Bomber’ is the name of my album which releases on August 20th this summer which is also my birthday! The term ‘Bronx Bombers’ refers to the baseball team in The Bronx, New York City where I grew up. I wasn’t a huge baseball fan but I always loved that term it was so badass!

9 – What keeps you inspired to write songs?

I can’t stop writing songs. It’s how I see life, through music. I have a wild imagination and being a psychic I’m very sensitive to my environment so ideas come to me all the time!

10 – Finally, how do you see yourself careerwise in the next 10 years?

At least 10 albums done and lots of live shows under my belt meeting our fans all around the world!

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Interview | Questions & Answers With Bobby Shann

Bobby Shann is an artist who is known for his outstanding productions that feature infectious grooves and steady beats that are perfect for the dancefloor. His discography includes releases such as ‘Call Me Papi’, ‘Break It Down’, and more recently a stunning collab with Blas Cordero titled ‘Double Vision’. We caught up with Bobby to find out his methods behind the music.

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1 — Talk us through how you started your journey to learning how to produce?

It all began back in the days when I first got in touch with the hip-hop culture, through breakdancing. I wanted to start making my own beats and my producing career started. I just spent my time playing about with the software, I’m still learning. I think I will keep on learning; everything is a lesson.

2 — Were there any books or videos you used to help you?

Not really, I just got on with it! Nowadays there is also a lot of tutorials which can really help you out.

3 — What software do you use, and would you recommend it to beginners?

I use Ableton. As I started with more complex daw’s I would recommend Ableton even for beginners. It’s the best way to learn efficiently.

4 — Do you have any tips for finding a creative spark?

Well, I think the best way to get creative is to be yourself and not being afraid of creating what you have in your mind. Don’t ever let others’ opinions affect you. Just do your thing. That’s all I can say.

5 — Which top 3 plugins would you suggest?

To be honest the only thing I can suggest is to find out by yourself which plugins your sound fits and if this sounds good for you, then amazing! I don’t think there are any rules.

6 — What are your opinions on mixing and mastering your own tracks?

It could be good but also bad. It depends on the technical knowhow you have and especially having the ear for that. I love to see the technical aspects behind it all and learn about it. It can be fun, and you have the possibility to make the songs really sound like you want it to be. But sometimes there is also complicated parts I would wish an engineer would take all the effort. It really takes a lot of time. Sometimes it can also become annoying listening to your own track the whole time which could have a different impact on the song.

7 — How do you approach remixes?

It’s a good thing, I guess. Doing remixes is a good way to show how it would sound like working with other artists from different genres as well.

8 — What are the essential skills that a producer should work on first?

Just be yourself and do what you love don’t follow any rules you’ve heard about producing or whatever. It should sound like you. Music is the art to express yourself so do it.

9 — What piece of advice do you wish you had received in the beginning?

Oh wow, lemme think about. I guess you can always take advice from people It doesn’t matter when and how. What’s important is that you do what you want to do and have in your mind. The best process to learn is making mistakes and your own experiences.